Improving Your Family Photos for Great Custom Gifts

There are many reasons that family portraits continue to remain popular even in the age of digital photography. Family portraits are an important part of our heritage. They preserve history. They record family growth. They even document cultural changes such as shifts in fashion. But more than that, family portraits nothing says a house is a home more than a large portrait proudly displayed on an entry room wall or fireplace mantle.

This is why it is so important to take a few moments to ensure your family portraits are more than ordinary snapshots. While almost all get looked at, only a few spark the phrase, “That’s a great picture!” The posing strategies and setting selections of the photographer play a big role making images memorable. Photographers tend to get into ruts taking the same styles of portraits over and over.

First and foremost, keep things light-hearted. The days of stiff family portraits where everybody is in exactly the same pose are over! Today, more natural-looking poses for even “formal” portraits are what give that noteworthy appearance. Let the family members be themselves. Keep your eye behind the lens, always looking for an opportune shot as family members interact with each other. You’ll want to encourage natural laughter and smiles rather than forced “cheese” smiles.

For families with young children, consider placing newborns in a bassinet with siblings and parents looking at baby, instead of the camera. Other memorable (not to mention adorable) shots could include toddlers chasing bubbles or butterflies or playing with puppies, bunnies, or other small (but tame) pets. For families with older children, get outdoors. Fabulous portraits can be created with the family standing behind a fence (with smaller kids sitting on the fence). Try a portrait of all silhouettes or of the family gathered on the front porch sipping lemonade. Families can even lounge at the edges of ponds or brooks for creative shots.

Be sure move around as you shoot. While there’s a place to use your tripod, it may not be during a family portrait shoot. If you feel your posing is getting stale, toss the tripod and try alternate angles. Shoot from above or to the side or experiment with lighting. If the family isn’t sure of exactly what they want, offer to take a variety of portraits and let them choose the style they like best once they see the results.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new. When you break down the barriers that squelch your creativity, you free yourself to produce your best work yet. Use your imagination and a host of props or natural settings to capture moments that are truly unique.